We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Suppes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, thanks for joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

In my personal journey, I have encountered instances where the workplace was not inclusive, particularly when it came to accommodating individuals with chronic illnesses. As a high achiever with a chronic illness in a corporate setting, I faced judgments and rumors that undermined my efforts. I was advised to slow down and reduce my ambitions, which only fueled my determination to create a more inclusive environment.

To address this issue, I founded S&S Creative, a company that embodies the principles of inclusivity. Our team comprises individuals who either have a chronic illness, care for someone with a chronic illness, or are stay-at-home parents. By bringing together diverse experiences and perspectives, we foster an atmosphere of understanding and support.

Through my own journey, I have realized the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered, regardless of their circumstances. It is impactful because it allows individuals to thrive professionally while also taking care of their personal needs. This approach not only enhances productivity but also promotes a sense of belonging and empathy among team members.

By embracing inclusivity in the workplace, we can tap into the unique strengths and talents of individuals who may be overlooked or underestimated in more traditional settings. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also enriches the overall work environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

In conclusion, my journey has taught me the significance of building a more inclusive workplace. By creating an environment that celebrates diversity and accommodates individual needs, we can empower everyone to succeed and contribute to the fullest extent of their abilities.

Natalie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Natalie, the founder and CEO of S&S Creative, a thriving digital marketing agency. I’ve always had a passion for marketing and international business, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree in Marketing and International Business.

With over 15 years of industry experience, including working with multi-million dollar organizations, I’ve honed my skills and built a solid reputation. However, what sets me apart is my authentic approach. I believe in showcasing the behind-the-scenes of my personal and professional life, connecting with my audience on a deeper level.

Through this genuine connection, I’ve been able to attract an incredible following of over 29,000 loyal supporters. I take pride in being a trusted expert in my field, known for my work ethic and ability to deliver tangible results. My clients have achieved remarkable success online through the effective digital marketing strategies my boutique agency provides.

What I’m most proud of is the positive impact I’ve made on countless entrepreneurs. I’m dedicated to sharing my expertise and helping others grow their businesses by implementing strategies that actually convert into revenue. My ultimate goal is to empower entrepreneurs and help them achieve their own version of success.

So, whether you’re a potential client, follower, or fan, know that I’m committed to delivering top-notch services and valuable insights. I’m a true trailblazer in the digital marketing world, driven by a genuine passion for helping others thrive.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building a social media audience takes time and effort, but by employing authentic strategies, I was able to grow my following to over 29 thousand loyal supporters. It all began with sharing my true and honest opinions, as well as documenting my day-to-day journey of managing a chronic illness while building a brand and a business. This genuine approach allowed people to relate to me on a personal level, and they would often reach out to express how much my story inspired them. Their support and feedback encouraged me to continue sharing.

As I progressed, I realized the importance of fostering authentic relationships with my audience. Engagement became a priority, and I made it a point to personally respond to every comment and direct message. By actively engaging with my followers, I built a sense of community and trust, which further solidified their connection with me and my brand.

Consistency also played a crucial role in building my social media presence. During the growth phase, I posted daily, sharing my thoughts, feelings, and inspirational stories directly within the app. By staying consistent, I established a reliable presence that resonated with my audience.

Additionally, I expanded my reach through other mediums, such as my podcast. Over the past four years, I have produced 160 episodes, allowing me to connect with my audience in a more intimate and meaningful way. Throughout this journey, I only took a break for the birth of my daughter, highlighting the importance of consistency even during transitional periods.

In summary, building a social media presence requires authenticity and consistency. By sharing your true self and experiences, actively engaging with your audience, and maintaining a consistent posting schedule, you can cultivate a dedicated following. Remember, building genuine connections is key, as it fosters trust and loyalty among your audience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During my journey of building my business, I faced a significant challenge that truly tested my resilience. Just one month into the conception of my company, when my daughter was only seven months old and I was a full-time stay-at-home mother, I received a terrifying cancer scare. The potential diagnosis would have given me a very limited time to live, perhaps only months or a year.

Fortunately, the results came back negative for cancer. However, my chronic illness still needed urgent attention. I had to immediately start biologic medications and undergo IV infusions every few weeks. These treatments came with numerous side effects, making the journey even more challenging.

Despite these obstacles, it was during this challenging period that I founded my company, S&S Creative. Incredibly, within the first year, while my daughter went into daycare at nine months old, we generated over $350,000 in revenue.

This story highlights the immense resilience I demonstrated in the face of adversity. Balancing the demands of being a mother, managing my chronic illness, and building a successful business required unwavering determination and perseverance. It is a testament to my ability to overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.

Through this experience, I learned the true meaning of resilience. It goes beyond just bouncing back—it’s about finding strength within yourself to keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws at you. This story is a reflection of my unwavering commitment to my business, my family, and my own personal growth.

I share this story to inspire others, showing them that they too can overcome even the toughest of obstacles. With resilience, determination, and a strong support system, we can achieve remarkable things and create success even in the face of adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandscreative.ca
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sick.and.successful
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliesuppes/
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/sickandsuccessful